Airbus to Develop PAZ-2 Radar Satellites for Spain
Spanish satellite operator Hisdesat has commissioned Airbus to design, assemble, and test two advanced PAZ-2 radar satellites for the Spanish Ministry of Defence. These new spacecraft are slated to succeed the original PAZ satellite, operational since 2018, ensuring the continuous capability of Spain’s surveillance assets.
The PAZ-2 satellites promise exceptional performance, capturing high-resolution imagery with clarity as fine as 25 centimeters (9.8 inches). They are designed to survey up to 6.7 million square kilometers (2.6 million square miles) each day, conducting 16 Earth orbits daily, and maintaining operation around the clock regardless of weather conditions. The first PAZ-2 satellite is expected to be operational by mid-2031.
Collaboration with Spanish Industry
Airbus plans to utilize its expertise in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology, which excels in high-resolution imaging and broad area coverage. The company will spearhead a consortium of over 15 Spanish firms to develop the PAZ-2 satellites, with a commitment to incorporating 65 percent domestically produced components.
This initiative not only aims to bolster the intelligence and surveillance capabilities of the Spanish Armed Forces, but also seeks to enhance border security, risk management, and monitoring of critical civilian infrastructure.
Commitment to Technological Sovereignty
In light of the evolving geopolitical landscape, Airbus expresses its dedication to reinforcing technological sovereignty in national security and defense. Alain Fauré, Head of Airbus Space Systems, emphasized that the PAZ-2 satellites signify a significant step in strengthening Spain’s position within the national and European space sector.
This project aligns with broader objectives to enhance the technological capabilities of Spain, ensuring that the country’s defense apparatus is well-equipped to address current and future challenges.
